Police retrieve body six days after drowning in Tonga

Police had to deal with yet another drowning incident in Tonga last Friday.

The provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Selvy Mohlala, said unlike recent drownings, which were mainly accidental, the drowning of a 27-year-old male was regrettable and police believe that it could have been avoided if people adhered to the call to refrain from any form of mob justice.

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“It is reported that the victim and his friend were trying to escape from the angry mob in Tonga when they ran into the Nkomazi River. One of the two managed to swim across the river, while the other disappeared in the river on Friday, March 17,” he said

Mohlala said his body was spotted by the Police Airwing on Wednesday March 22, six days after he went missing, about 5km from the scene where he reportedly drowned.

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“After his body has been retrieved, paramedics were summoned and he was certified dead on the scene. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding his death,” he said.